In the wake of a military coup that overthrew Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, a chorus of legal voices has emerged calling for the immediate release of the deposed leader. Bazoum, who was democratically elected in 2021, has been detained alongside his wife, Hadiza, for over three years without facing any formal charges. International lawyers, including West African legal experts and US human rights attorney Reed Brody, argue that Bazoum’s detention is arbitrary and lacks due process.
They note that the former president and his wife have never been brought before a magistrate and have not been informed of any proceedings against them. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the military leader who took power following the coup, accused Bazoum of treason and plotting against the state’s security.
However, to date, no trial has been publicly initiated to address these allegations. Despite the military’s intentions to put Bazoum on trial, the lack of a formal case has drawn criticism from the international community.
The European Union, United Nations experts, and several international leaders have joined calls for Bazoum’s release, emphasizing concerns over democratic governance and political rights in the region. Niger’s new leadership has been criticized for a crackdown on opponents, including journalists, activists, and civil society figures. Bazoum, who has refused to resign despite the formal end of his term in April, maintains his innocence and the legitimacy of his presidency.
His detention has become a focal point for discussions about the rule of law and the state of democracy in Niger, particularly as the country grapples with increased political instability.
As calls for justice and due process continue to resonate globally, the fate of former President Bazoum and his wife remains a topic of international concern, with potential implications for Niger’s future political landscape.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
